There is a lot to do in ECO, so I’ll explain a bit about what happens at the beginning. In addition, I’ll talk briefly about the game system and mechanics, as well as some of the distinctive features, including the marionette and possession systems.

In ECO, in addition to players’ appearances and skills (from jobs), the assignment of stat points contributes greatly to the development of a character. Depending on the type of character you wish to make, everyone will inevitably have different stat builds. There are 6 main stats: STR, DEX, INT, VIT, AGI, MAG. I will explain what each stat effects, outline the substats and describe status effects as well.

As you level, you get increasingly more points to assign to whichever stats you wish. You will be prompted to verify your assignment before confirming. By manipulating the main stats, you can see how the substats are affected. Note that it is possible to reset stats (at a cost of 1000G x BaseLv). So you don’t have to force yourself to think of stat builds. It’s just that I prefer to analyze mechanics ^^;;

The ECO client (~1GB) is available for download! I recommend using FlashGet and either mirror #2 or #3. They were pretty fast and it took around 4 hours for me. Installed it and started up the client…. Ahhh, how nostalgic! I immediately set up my settings (I prefer windowed 1280×960). For Vista users, remember to give yourself ‘modify’ priviledges for the ECO folder so you can save your settings and screenshots. Meanwhile, I’m listening to the BGM tracks.

The registration for CB has also begun. Make sure you register for both a Run-Up Games account (I signed up at the Malyasian site) and ECO account. They need to be linked. If you signed up for ECO on the game site, you will have to login to your Run-Up Games account and click on the ECO icon and then register the existing account by inputting the game ID and password. Alternatively, you can apply for an ECO game ID directly from the Run-Up Games site.

I’m going to write up a bit on basic info about stats and systems before CB begins. Please look forward to it if you’re interested in playing ^^

The English version of Emil Chronicle Online (ECO) is finally coming out! Run-Up games have announced that closed beta will begin in Malalysia/Singapore on July 8th and it should be open to anyone who wishes to play. It’s been a long time waiting (4 years in total), but it’s here! It seems like they’re going to start at Saga 3 with the Dark Castle. I know I said I wouldn’t play another MMO, but I’m going to play casually.

ECO is a Japanese 3d cel-shaded cute (but grindy) MMORPG produced by GungHo/Broccoli/Headlock. The game system is similar to Ragnarok Online, but is better in many aspects. In addition to full sprite customization, there is also a possession and marionette system which are very useful for combat and partying. I played ECO when it first came out in Japan and it was one of my favorite MMOs. The only problem was that my friends could not share in the fun since they didn’t understand the language. However, with the English release, I hope that we will have a fun time in this heartful MMO!

I’ve written a post before on ECO that explains some aspects of the game, and also contains screenshots. So please do check it out. For this post, I’ll write a bit on the 3 races and 12 basic jobs in the game. Hopefully this will increase your interest in the game.

When I was playing RO, there were two games that would’ve made me jump ship to it right away. One was Mabinogi, which I am now playing. The other was ECO (Emil Chronicle Online). Both are 3d cel-shaded anime-style games that are cute and offered lots of customization. I had been eagerly awaiting for the English version for both games, since it would allow my friends to play with me and actually have fun instead of asking me for translations every 30 seconds. The announcement of an English ECO was announced by IAHgames before any news of English Mabi, but no progress was ever made and a 2007 release has now become never, since they stated they will only keep the Thai version.

However, there is now news of an English version by Run Up Games for Singapore. The main site is already up and you can sign up for a newsletter there. They say it’ll be here by the end of the year, but I won’t put much weight on that.